Key Highlights
- Ilia Malinin, 21-year-old figure skater, has transformed the sport with his mastery of quadruple jumps.
- In December, Malinin landed seven quadruple jumps in a single competition, setting a new standard.
- Malinin’s signature move is the quad axel, which he successfully completed in 2022 at age 17.
- The sport’s physical demands on Malinin are immense, requiring both strength and skill to execute his routines.
Breaking Physics: Ilia Malinin’s Unprecedented Skating
You might think this is new, but… Ilia Malinin has been breaking physics since he first stepped onto the ice. By 2026, he had already transformed figure skating with his unparalleled mastery of quadruple jumps.
The Decisive Leap
Malinin became a world champion by becoming more than just a juvenile with skate-park mentality and a face like a Disney prince. He rose to the top with his ability to land seven quadruple jumps in a single competition, leaving no doubt that he was a master of the sport.
The Impossible Jump
Malinin’s signature move is the quad axel—a jump that only he has ever successfully completed in competition. He calls himself “Quad God” for good reason. In 2022, at just 17 years old, Malinin landed a quad axel smoothly during his routine, marking a new frontier in figure skating.
Physical Demands and Mastery
The physical demands on Malinin are immense. His heart rate reaches 90 percent of its capacity within the first 30 seconds of his long program, comparable to that sustained by world-class sprinters. To execute a quad axel, he must reach a vertical leap of approximately 30 inches and land on a blade just 3/16th of an inch wide.
The Road to Recognition
Malinin’s journey from obscurity to global recognition is both inspiring and astonishing. Only in the past few months has he begun to get endorsement deals with big companies like Xfinity, Coca-Cola, Google, and Honda. His rise to fame was not without obstacles—his father had to be convinced that Malinin should take unnecessary risks.
The Family Legacy
Malinin’s success is a family affair. Both his mother, Tatiana Malinina, and his father, Roman Skorniakov, are former Olympic skaters who competed for Uzbekistan before emigrating to the United States in 1998. Their influence on Malinin has been profound, but they have always maintained a hands-off approach to avoid adding pressure.
From Siberia to Success
The path from Siberian rinks to international recognition is not easy. Skorniakov and Malinina’s journey began in mining country, where resources were scarce and practice time was limited. Their move to Virginia offered better opportunities, but the sacrifices they made are a testament to their dedication.
Genetic Predisposition
Malinin’s maternal grandfather, Valeri Malinin, coaches at a small rink in Novosibirsk and has had an early hand in teaching his grandson. The Russian skating commandments, heavily influenced by ballet, are stamped on Malinin from an early age.
Conclusion
Ilia Malinin’s story is one of relentless pursuit and achievement. He has redefined what is possible in figure skating, breaking records and boundaries with his extraordinary talent. His journey is a reminder that the impossible can become reality through sheer determination and hard work.